Her World Beauty Awards 2024: Want dewy, glass skin like a Korean star? Try these 18  brightening skincare products 

#1 Best brightening exfoliant: Chanel N°1 De Chanel Revitalizing Mask, $155

1/17

What It Is Harnessing the revitalising powers of the red camellia, this exfoliating mask gently sloughs off dead skin cells to reveal an even, smooth and radiant complexion.

“A truly luxurious experience upon first application. The results were quite impressive – skin was immediately hydrated, texture smoother and complexion brighter.” — Melvin Tseng, beauty enthusiast and content creator

#2 Best brightening essence: Fresh Kombucha Facial Treatment Essence, from $54

2/17

What It Is Its improved formula contains a double fermented kombucha extract that deeply penetrates the skin to protect and repair the skin from daily harmful stressors, including pollution and blue light damage. Skin is soothed and supple. 

“Absorbed quickly and left my skin feeling fresh. Also noticed that my serum and moisturiser absorbs better too. Even my foundation went on smoother too. Would definitely recommend.” — Lena Kamarudin, fashion editor, Her World Singapore 

#3 Best brightening toner: Elixir Brightening Moisture Lotion, $65

3/17

What It Is Marrying the brand’s signature Collagen GL complex with scutellaria root extract, this refreshing water-light lotion soothes the skin while regulating sebum production. 

“Love its calming scent – something that I keep going back to again and again.” — Xixi Lim, actress and host 

#4 Best brightening serum (luxury): Cle de Peau Beaute Concentrated Brightening Serum, $270

4/17

What It Is Inspired by the brand’s cutting-edge discovery of the skin microbiome’s impact on luminosity, this serum uses a unique dual-brightening approach with a crystatune complex that includes a prebiotic active to target dark spots and an uneven skin tone. Paired with the signature Crystallizing Power technology, your complexion looks brighter and more even.

“Improves skin clarity visibly. My skin looked more even, fresh – despite not getting enough sleep and dark spots were lightened. I felt the difference when I realised I could get away with using very little concealer on my freckles.” — Goh YH, beauty enthusiast

#5 Best brightening serum (tied): Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops, $57

5/17

What It Is A niacinamide-infused skincare-makeup hybrid, this hardworking formula not only imparts a lit-from-within glow but also helps reduce the appearance of dark spots. Skin is more radiant and even.

“It really made my skin dewy and glowy. I don’t even need a moisturiser after this as it’s very moisturising on its own. In fact, I find myself reaching for this quite often.” — Tay Ying, actress

#6 Best brightening serum (tied): The Body Shop Vitamin C Glow Revealing Serum, $63

6/17

What It Is A glow-giving serum that’s enriched with 10 per cent natural-origin vitamin C along with bakuchiol and camu camu berry extract to reduce the appearance of dark spots.

“I’m generally picky with vitamin C serums because of my easily sensitised skin. But this was surprisingly comfortable and my post-acne marks were less visible after just a week.” — Letty Seah, beauty editor, Her World Singapore 

#7 Best brightening serum - night: Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Resurfacing Dream Serum, $98

7/17

What It Is Infused with a blend of AHAs (glycolic and citric), prickly pear flower and lotus extracts to gently refine your skin texture while you sleep. Wake up to a brighter, smoother and softer complexion. 

“Love the soothing scent and comforting texture. It’s the perfect night serum before bed. You’ll wake to smooth and supple skin.” — Leanne Ho, beauty content creator 

#8 Best brightening treatment for dark spots: Clarins Bright Plus Fresh Ampoule, $182 (box of four vials)

8/17

What It Is An intensive brightening treatment that is enriched with 15 per cent vitamin C, 10 per cent ascorbic acid, five per cent vitamin C derivative and organic acerola seed and rose myrtle extracts to reduce skin dullness and hyperpigmentation in just seven days. 

“Would recommend to anyone who is looking for a  fast-working treatment with long-term results. My skin was clearer and less dull and my hyperpigmentation spots were less visible too.” — Mary Victor, beauty enthusiast and content creator 

#9 Best brightening serum for dark spots (tied): IDS Clarity, $204.92

9/17

What It Is Using a proprietary blend of ingredients and IDS’ patented transcutaneous delivery system, this cream-like serum works on the different layers of the skin to erase signs of hyperpigmentation to reveal an even and clear complexion. 
 
“Skin was supple, dewy and instantly hydrated. Would recommend even for those with acne-prone skin too.” — Mary Victor, beauty enthusiast and content creator

#10 Best brightening serum for dark spots (J-beauty): Kose Infinity Innovative Bright Serum XX, $147

10/17

What It Is Combining brightening and anti-ageing benefits, this serum contains kojic acid and an exclusive Kose W shooting element to address a variety of hyperpigmentation issues by suppressing excess melanin production. The result is a clearer and firmer complexion. 

“It has a nice texture that gives a beautiful hydrating glow. Plus, the skin brightening ingredients help brighten the skin thanks to its multi-path blockage of excess melanin production.” — Larry Yeo, makeup artist and skin science educator

#11 Best brightening moisturiser: TheFaceShop Rice Water Bright Vegan Cream, $28

11/17

What It Is Formulated with fermented rice water, white hibiscus flower extract, niacinamide and low molecular weight hyaluronic acid, this vegan moisturiser imbues the skin with hydration while keeping dark spots at bay. 

“Great for those looking for a lightweight, uncomplicated moisturiser that’s perfect for Singapore’s humid weather.” — Shazrina Shamsudin, senior digital writer, Her World Singapore 

#12 Best brightening eye cream: Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Eye Cream, $65

12/17

What It Is Bid farewell to dark undereye circles. The key lies in its blend of vineferine, caffeine and niacinamide. Plus, the ceramic applicator tip instantly soothes and cools your tired eye area too. 

“The under eye feels refreshed thanks to the ceramic applicator tip.” — Leanne Ho, beauty content creator

#13 Best brightening mask: One By Kose Melanoshot W Mask, $52 (box of four sheets)

13/17

What It Is Infused with kojic acid to address existing dark spots and prevent the appearance of future ones, this brightening sheet mask leaves your complexion looking dewy and radiant. In addition, the inclusion of moisturising oils keeps skin soft and smooth, making it a great addition for your pre-makeup skin prep. 

“Skin definitely looked brighter and felt bouncier after application.” — Elizabeth Lee, editor-in-chief, Her World Singapore

#14 Best brightening toner: Sekkisei Brightening Essence Lotion, from $50

14/17

What It Is Its renewed formula to celebrate the brand’s 40^th anniversary uses a licorice-derived active to address existing dark spots while preventing the formation of new ones. At the same time, its refreshing and lightweight texture keeps the skin soothed and hydrated.

“Loved the milky texture that instantly soothed and hydrated the skin. Plus, a week on, my skin tone looked more even when I went makeup-free.” — Cheryl Chan, digital editor, Her World Singapore 

#15 Best brightening serum: Q+A Vitamin C Brightening Serum, $25.15

15/17

What It Is Using vitamin C encapsulated in a blend of volcanic soil and hyaluronic acid, this lightweight and fast-absorbing serum works efficiently against skin dullness and other signs of ageing. 
  
“Best used in your nighttime skincare regimen, you’ll wake to a brighter, smoother and softer complexion.” — Letty Seah, beauty editor, Her World Singapore 

#16 Best brightening mask (tied): Cetaphil Bright Healthy Radiance Instant Radiance Mask, $27.15 (box of six sheets)

16/17

What It Is All it takes is just 15 minutes to get an instantly more luminous and supple complexion. Each mask is infused with the brand’s Bright Healthy Radiance Perfecting Serum to deliver seven times more benefits in one use. 

“My skin felt and looked healthier. Would recommend using it twice a week, especially for those like myself who wear makeup every day for more than 12 hours.” — Tay Ying, actress

#17 Best brightening mask (tied): Saborino Medical Brightening Mask, $14.20 (pack of 10 sheets)

17/17

What It Is A five-in-one sheet mask: a toner, milky lotion, essence, cream and mask in one. It combines the use of two per cent tranexamic acid, vitamin C and retinyl palmitate to reduce the appearance of dark spots and acne scars, while leaving your skin brighter and more luminous. 

“Effectively delivered on its promises of brightening and moisturising. With frequent use, I noticed a significant reduction in my dark spots and skin dullness. My skin had a natural, healthy glow.” — Letty Seah, beauty editor, Her World Singapore